4.7 star rating

This learning experience is hosted by Note Printing Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Australia. NPA is responsible for producing banknotes and passports for domestic needs as well as other international governments.

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Looking to book as a parent? Unfortunately, we only facilitate bookings made by educational groups, and not individual visitors.

About

Knowledge of the vault

The Protectorate is a flexible 2.5-hour interactive banknote learning experience, where visiting students learn about and witness the exclusive process of banknote and passport production inside one of Australia's most secure sites.

Tailored for your students, and

Their curriculum

Students holding up uncut banknote sheets

Connect, relate, and infuse your curriculum topics into something as foundational to society as banknote and passport production. Whether it’s through the lens of Economics, Business, Technology, Forensics, Logistics, Chemistry, or even Design (or just through a general context) - show your students the real-world impact of their studies.

The experience is suited for students in Years 6 to 12.

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Looking for a VET-related experience? We can adapt your learning excursion to focus on career opportunities that are provided at NPA instead.

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If desired, teachers and facilitators can specify their preferred topic of focus during the checkout process.

Students learning about secret banknote polymer trials

Dates and Times

Tuesdays - Thursdays

We host one morning and one afternoon session on Tues, Weds and Thurs.

Morning sessions are held from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, while afternoon sessions run from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

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If you require a booking on a Monday or Friday, please contact us in advance to verify availability.

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Although the 2.5-hour duration and the recommended session times are flexible, shortening the visit may lead to a rushed experience with some areas being skimmed over. If you wish to adjust your session timings, please let us know in the comments box during the checkout.

Students drawing with flashlights on a large glow wall

Group Limits

24 students per session

Plus a flexible number of teachers (4 max).

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Due to security constraints, we can only accommodate up to 24 students per session. If your group has over 24 students, we suggest breaking them up into multiple sessions. Either one in the morning and one in the afternoon, or on separate days.

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Schools with multiple groups could use a single bus to do a changeover at 12:00 PM - with the bus bringing in the afternoon group and immediately picking up the morning group to take back.

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If you are booking multiple sessions, please submit each session as a separate order.

Students making their own play banknotes

Admissions

$22 per student

+ booking fees. Accompanying teachers are FREE.

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The fees charged per student help cover the operational costs of the program. Any remaining profits are donated to the local community.

Students discovering secret UV features on a sheet of banknotes

Questions?

FAQ

What if our group needs to start the session earlier or later than the scheduled times?

If you wish to adjust your session timings, please let us know in the comments box during the checkout. However, although the 2.5-hour duration and the recommended session times are flexible, shortening the visit may lead to a rushed experience with some areas being skimmed over.

Is photography permitted at NPA?

All photos and videos are strictly prohibited on-site. Hosting staff may be able to take photos for you and share them with you afterwards. Students are advised to leave their mobile phones on the school bus.

Can visitors bring bags into NPA?

Students must leave all their belongings on the bus. This includes bags, water bottles, and especially mobile phones.

Accompanying teachers are welcome to bring their bag, mobile phone (for emergencies) and first aid kits.

Other invited guests are welcome to bring their bags and mobile phones (for emergencies only).

Will there be any secrets shared?

Possibly 🤫

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Help us level up. If something prevented you from booking a visit, or you have a critique, an idea or feedback in general, let us know by contacting us below.

Still have questions?

Contact us

If your question wasn't answered or you simply want to chat, please use the 'Contact Host' button below. We're here to help.

Alternatively, you can email us at theprotectorate@npal.com.au.

UV light showing secret banknote features

Contact the host of THE PROTECTORATE